THE original Italian beef, period. Al's has been dipping sandwiches on Taylor Street since 1938, and the formula hasn't changed: thin-sliced beef, soaked in jus, loaded with hot giardiniera, wrapped in Italian bread that disintegrates in your hands. Order it dipped. Eat it over the wrapper. This is Chicago.

Al's #1 Italian Beef (Taylor Street)

Italian Beef / Sandwich Shop

The birthplace of the Italian beef sandwich. Al Ferreri and his sister Frances and brother-in-law Chris Pacelli Sr. opened this family beef stand in 1938 on the corner of Harrison and Lafflin, originally called Al's Bar-B-Q because the beef simmered outside. They figured out you could slice the roast thin on a deli slicer, cook it in its own juices with secret spices, and feed twice as many people with a first-rate sandwich. Since they were all Italian — that's where 'Italian Beef' came from. The Taylor Street location is the original, now run by the Pacelli family's next generation. Over 150 culinary awards. Ships nationwide via Goldbelly. This is not a chain — this is where Chicago's signature sandwich was invented.

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Museum

Museum in Little Italy at 800 S. Halsted Street.

Jimmy's Gyros & Grill

Greek

Big, flavorful gyros, burgers, and Greek favorites on Taylor Street in Little Italy. Jimmy's is the kind of neighborhood counter spot where everything is made fresh and the portions never disappoint. The staff knows the regulars by name. Always satisfying, always reliable.

Jim's Original

Hot Dogs / Polish Sausage

Open 24 hours and standing on the site of the original Maxwell Street market, Jim's has been grilling Polish sausages and hot dogs on an open flame since 1939. Onions piled high, yellow mustard, sport peppers — no frills, no seats, no excuses. The 2 AM crowd here is half the experience.

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Deli / Cafeteria

Chicago's most famous deli, period. Manny's has been slicing corned beef and serving cafeteria-style since 1942, and the line of politicians, cops, lawyers, and regular Chicagoans proves it. The corned beef is stacked impossibly high, the staff will roast you with love, and the matzo ball soup is a city treasure. If you haven't been to Manny's, you haven't really eaten in Chicago.

Mimi's Craft Kitchen

American

Little Italy's Mimi's puts a creative spin on American classics in a warm, unpretentious setting. Solid food and good energy make it an ideal pre-game dinner before hitting Taylor Street's bar scene.

National Public Housing Museum

Museum

Museum in Little Italy at 919 S. Ada St.

Portillo's (Canal & Taylor)

Chicago Style Fast Casual

The Taylor Street Portillo's — right in the heart of Little Italy and steps from UIC. Same legendary Chicago street food as the flagship: hot dogs, Italian beef, Polish sausage, and the chocolate cake shake. Open until 1am for the late-night crowd. This location is a favorite for the university crowd, hospital workers from Rush, and anyone who knows that Taylor Street is where Chicago's real food legacy lives.

The Bar 10 Doors

Bar

Bar in Little Italy at 1251 West Taylor Street.

Vintage Bar Chicago

Bar

Bar in Little Italy at 1449 W. Taylor St.

Other neighborhoods

Rogers Park Edgewater Uptown Lincoln Square Ravenswood Andersonville North Center Lakeview Wrigleyville Lincoln Park Avondale Logan Square Albany Park Roscoe Village Irving Park Portage Park Jefferson Park Norwood Park River North Streeterville Gold Coast Old Town The Loop South Loop Humboldt Park West Town Wicker Park Bucktown Ukrainian Village West Loop Pilsen Little Village Austin Garfield Park Bridgeport Chinatown Bronzeville Hyde Park Englewood Pullman Beverly Ashburn South Shore Chatham Auburn Gresham Woodlawn Roseland South Chicago Back of the Yards East Side Morgan Park Mount Greenwood Brighton Park Washington Park Greater Grand Crossing Edison Park Dunning Forest Glen Sauganash West Ridge Belmont Cragin Montclare Near North Side Near West Side East Garfield Park West Garfield Park Armour Square Douglas Kenwood Grand Boulevard Canaryville Fuller Park McKinley Park Archer Heights Gage Park Clearing Garfield Ridge West Elsdon West Englewood Washington Heights Avalon Park Calumet Heights Burnside Gresham West Pullman